Today, the Baltimore Ravens announced that the team has promoted running back Gus Edwards from the practice squad to the active roster. This comes as no surprise, as the Ravens needed to replace De’Lance Turner. Turner suffered a hamstring injury this week and was ruled out for Sunday’s game. In response to this injury, Baltimore opted to place Turner on the injured reserve, in order to open a space on the roster for Gus Edwards, and not risk losing Turner on waivers. Edwards, the former Rutgers Scarlet Knight, played well for the Ravens in the preseason. Many, including myself, thought there was a case for him to be included in the final 53 man roster instead of the oft-injured Kenneth Dixon. Now, Edwards will get his chance.
The Baltimore Ravens running game has been very lackluster so far this season. While Edwards will likely not revamp the entire strategy, he provides the Ravens with a set of tools that no other running back on the roster has. Gus Edwards is big, strong, and is a punishing runner. The 6’2″, 225 pound running back can demolish defensive lines and pound his way down the field, old school style. The Ravens with Alex Collins and Buck Allen have two very talented running backs, but neither are going to be able to do what Edwards specializes in. Collins is an elusive running back who tries to dance around tacklers, and Allen is more of a receiving back.
The addition of Gus Edwards is necessary and may prove beneficial for the Ravens. Edwards will provide depth for the group while also giving the Ravens a new tool on offense. Baltimore now has a trio of running backs, each with a unique skill set. The Ravens will use each of the three running backs in a way that will make the offense better as a whole. Collins will obviously be the starter, with Allen as the frequently rotated in second-string running back, and Gus Edwards will find time on the field as the third-string running back, and a short yardage runner.
